Key result
The Nordic Hamstring Exercise significantly reduces the incidence of new hamstring injuries by up to 60% and recurrent injuries by up to 85% in football players.
Why the study?
Hamstring strain injuries are common in football with persistently high incidence despite preventive strategies, prompting an evaluation of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise.
Does the Nordic Hamstring Exercise reduce the incidence and recurrence of hamstring injuries in football players?
Systematic Review
Does the Nordic Hamstring Exercise reduce the incidence and recurrence of hamstring injuries in football players?
Effect estimate: up to 60% reduction in new injuries, up to 85% reduction in recurrent injuries
The Nordic Hamstring Exercise is an effective intervention for significantly reducing the incidence and recurrence of hamstring injuries in football players.
Supports incorporating Nordic hamstring exercises into routine football training to reduce strain injuries; extends preventive.
BackgroundHamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are among the most common injuries in football, causing significant time-loss and impacting player performance. Despite various preventive strategies, the incidence of HSIs remains high, necessitating evidence-based approaches to reduce injury rates.ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) in reducing the incidence and recurrence of HSIs in football players and to provide practical recommendations for its implementation.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on NHE interventions for football players were included. The primary outcomes were injury incidence, recurrence, and compliance with NHE programs.ResultsThe review found that NHE significantly reduces the incidence of new hamstring injuries by up to 60% and recurrent injuries by up to 85%. Players performing NHE demonstrated a 35% increase in eccentric hamstring strength. Compliance with NHE programs was a critical factor in achieving these outcomes, with higher adherence rates leading to better preventive effects.ConclusionsThe Nordic Hamstring Exercise is an effective, evidence-based intervention for preventing hamstring injuries in football. Its integration into regular training programs, combined with education to improve compliance, can significantly reduce injury rates and enhance player performance. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols and exploring long-term outcomes.
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Tedeschi et al. (2025) conducted a systematic review in Hamstring strain injuries in football players. Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) was evaluated on Injury incidence, recurrence, and compliance with NHE programs (up to 60% reduction in new injuries, up to 85% reduction in recurrent injuries). The Nordic Hamstring Exercise significantly reduces the incidence of new hamstring injuries by up to 60% and recurrent injuries by up to 85% in football players.
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